RELAXATION
A Bowen treatment is very relaxing.
It is mostly performed with the person lying on a treatment couch, although Tom Bowen (the originator of the work) provided beds in his clinic, order to encourage a sense of deeper relaxation.

HOLISTIC HEALING
The Bowen Technique embodies a truly holistic approach to healthcare.
It is concerned not just with treating specific conditions and symptoms, but also with encouraging a natural potential for health to express itself in every aspect of the patient's life.

TIME OUT
A unique feature of the Bowen Technique is the frequent pauses between each series od moves.
These are given to allow the body to respond and integrate what is being done.
During these pauses, the therapist will usually leave the room.
This lets the person relax without feeling that they have to keep up a conversation ot that they are being watched.

BOWEN EFFECTS
Bowen therapists sometimes talk about the different effects on posture, particularly 'ascending' and 'descending' influences. The key to effective treatment is to find where the original organising factor in someone's condition is located.
For example, a knee injury might be due to a weak toe joint or a pelvic imbalance that is putting undue strain on a knee as that person walks.
Similarly, headaches may be the result of an old fall on the tailbone.

Magnesium is an important part of your diet

What is it?

Magnesium is an essential mineral required by every organ in the body for a range of activities including bone, protein and fatty acid formation. It is also essential in activating vitamins B and D, relaxing muscles, regulating calcium levels and helping blood to clot and is required for the secretion of insulin. Many of us do not get enough magnesium in our diets. Adults require about 300 to 400 milligrams a day.

Some studies indicate that magnesium deficiency increases the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis and increasing magnesium intake may prevent the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis.

Magnesium is also thought to play a role in the sleep cycle.

The cons

There are no negative aspects to maintaining sufficient magnesium levels through diet or supplementation, but excessive supplementation can lead to diarrheoa and stomach upsets.

Magnesium supplements can interfere with certain medications, so check with your doctor before taking supplements.

When not to take it

People with kidney or heart disease should consult their doctor before taking magnesium supplements.

How to take it

Everyone needs to make sure they have adequate magnesium levels. See a dietitian if you think you do not get enough from your diet. Too much stress, processed food, caffeine and alcohol, or heavy periods, can lower your levels. It's relatively easy to become mildly deficient in magnesium, but simple dietary changes or supplements can restore your levels. Magnesium chloride supplements are generally considered to be the form that allow for the greatest uptake and availability.